Archie Graham is a five-time world singles tennis champion.
Key points:
- Australian tennis team of 11 players will look to defend their Virtus Global Games title
- The competition is aimed at athletes with intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome and autism.
- Australia has not been beaten in the team event since 2015
He won his first title at the age of 21, having started the sport at the age of 15.
At 29, he faces his international colleagues with intellectual disabilities but also regularly challenges himself on the general public circuit.
“There aren’t many people like me,” Graham said.
“We are different and unique, but in a good way, but it is also a challenge for us.”
Graham is one of the most experienced Australian players in the team that will travel to France in June for the Virtus Global Games.
Archie Graham is a five-time world singles champion in his ranking. (ABC News: Chris Gillette)
Breanna Tunny will also compete in the same ranking, at the world’s largest elite sporting event for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
“I’m currently number two; it’s really excited me to continue and hopefully be number one in the world,” she said.
Alison Scott coaches Australia’s 11-player team, who will look to defend their world title.
They have not been beaten in the team event since 2015.
“There is a kindness and motivation in disabled players, they really want to try hard and they give you 150 percent every time,” she said.
The current team is made up of eight athletes with intellectual disabilities, one with Down syndrome and two with a new classification for elite players with autism.
Alison Scott has a passion for coaching players with disabilities. (ABC News: Chris Gillette)
This is the first time they have participated in an international tennis competition.
“We often find that many of our autistic players are already playing in the traditional route, which is fantastic, because we want our players to gain as much experience as possible,” Scott said.
“Anyone who steps on the pitch doesn’t matter if they have a disability or not, you work on their abilities and if you have that mindset then there are no limits for any player.“
Simon Ma is one of two autistic players who will make their debut for Australia in France.
Simon Ma will make his debut for the Australian team in France. (ABC News: Chris Gillette)
“I was playing table tennis competitively in Australia and decided to switch to tennis because tennis is more physically demanding,” he said.
“I think my goal is to do my best and see where my results take me.”
It is hoped that the continued success of the Australian team will continue to provide more visibility for players with intellectual disabilities.
“Once upon a time, many of our athletes fully funded their overseas trips, but we have increased that support,” Scott said.
Tennis Australia is always on the lookout for new talent, with around 50 other players across the country already in their sights through development programs.
Breanna Tunny is training for the Virtus Global Games. (ABC News: Chris Gillette)
“We always strive to provide sports and a great opportunity for (disabled) kids to be active,” Scott added.
“If tennis is their niche, then that’s amazing; just think about where it can take you.”
Tunny hopes to be a role model for young athletes.
“Come join the team and try tennis,” she said.
“We’ve all been on such a journey, but to go abroad and represent who we are is just overwhelming.”
Scott also hopes to break the stigma and said people still underestimate her players’ physical abilities.
“Whoever comes on the field doesn’t matter if they have a disability or not, you work on their abilities and if you have that mindset then the sky is the limit for any player at any time,” she said.
